Predictability of state-level flood damage in the conterminous United States: the role of hazard, exposure and vulnerability.

ABSTRACT: Understanding historical changes in flood damage and the underlying mechanisms is critical for predicting future changes for better adaptations. In this study, a detailed assessment of flood damage for 1950-1999 is conducted at the state level in the conterminous United States (CONUS). Geospatial datasets on possible influencing factors are then developed by synthesizing natural hazards, population, wealth, cropland and urban area to explore the relations with flood damage. A considerable increase in flood damage in CONUS is recorded for the study period which is well correlated with hazards. Comparably, runoff indexed hazards simulated by the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model can explain a larger portion of flood damage variations than precipitation in 84% of the states. Cropland

SUBMITTER: Zhou Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5509717 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature